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Homecoming 2026

Join us Friday 10/2 and Saturday 10/3

We’re excited to welcome you back to campus for Homecoming Weekend 2026! Whether you’re reconnecting with classmates, celebrating the Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026, cheering on the Yellow Jackets, or enjoying time in the Alumni Zone, there’s something for everyone throughout the weekend.

Questions? Please contact us at homecoming@aic.edu or call (413) 205-3520.

Tailgate parking pass: $10 per vehicle at the entrance. Cash only.
Football game tickets purchased at the door. Cash only.

FAQs and Accommodation Options

Yes! Homecoming football tickets can be purchased online in advance through the AIC Athletics Ticket Office, powered by Hometown Ticketing. Click here to purchase your tickets online.

To help make your Homecoming plans easier, we’ve secured a limited number of rooms at a special Homecoming rate with nearby hotels. We encourage you to book early, as availability is limited and rooms may fill quickly. Reserve your room at the Homecoming rate today!

Hilton Garden Inn
800 Hall of Fame Avenue
Springfield, MA 01109
Click here for exclusive Homecoming rates*
*Prices honored until 09/02/26 or sold out

Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel
One Monarch Place
Springfield, MA 01144
Click here for exclusive Homecoming rates*
*Prices honored until 09/02/26 or sold out

Homewood Suites by Hilton Holyoke-Springfield/North
375 Whitney Avenue
Holyoke, MA 01040
Approximately 10 miles (about a 15–20 minute drive) north of campus with easy access to I-91
Click here for exclusive Homecoming rates*
*Prices honored until 09/02/26 or sold out

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Springfield Enfield
1 Bright Meadow Boulevard
Enfield, CT 06082
Approximately 8 miles (about a 15–20 minute drive) south of campus with easy access to I-91
Click here for exclusive Homecoming rates*
*Prices honored until 09/02/26 or sold out

Click here for maps and directions to AIC’s campus.

Tailgating participants must adhere to the following athletics policies and procedures:

  • Pop-up tents are only allowed in the grassy areas or on the outskirts of the parking lot.
  • Only small propane grills are allowed.
  • Dispose of all trash in trash receptacles located throughout the tailgating area.
  • All spectators must enter the stadium or leave all parking areas at time of kickoff.
  • Outside alcohol in Abdow Field is not permitted.

  • Parking is available in the lot located at the corner of Cortland St and Garden St across from Judy Groff Field (the softball field) for $10 cash on site per spot.
  • Street parking on Cortland Street will not be allowed on Football game days.
  • Restrooms: Portable restrooms will be available across the street from the tailgate lot, and additional restrooms are available inside Butova Gymnasium.

Show your AIC pride with any and all AIC Yellow Jacket swag/apparel, memorabilia from your college years, weather-appropriate clothing, a camera, and a smile! 

To make getting around the athletics complex during Homecoming easier and more convenient, complimentary golf cart shuttle service will be available between the Tailgate Lot and the Ronald J. Abdow Field Complex. Alumni and guests are welcome to utilize the shuttle throughout the event as needed.

Homecoming 2026 Schedule

Alumni, Friends, and Families Welcome

Friday, October 2

  • Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
    Established in 2005, the AIC Athletics Hall of Fame honors exceptional student-athletes, teams, coaches, administrators, and alumni who have made significant contributions to the success of the College’s athletic programs and the broader athletic community. LEARN MORE

  • Alumni Pub Night | 8:00 P.M. | Stinger Pub
    Dining Commons, 1000 State Street, Springfield, MA 01109
    Hosted by the AIC Alumni Council and Homecoming sub-committee. Reconnect with classmates and fellow alumni over drinks and conversation as we kick off Homecoming Weekend.
    Cash bar available. Click here to register.

Saturday, October 3

We’re excited to welcome you to the Alumni Zone, located in the far end zone of Ronald J. Abdow Field. Serving as Homecoming headquarters throughout the day, the Alumni Zone will feature food trucks, giveaways, alumni gatherings, and more. Check the full schedule below for event times and details. You won’t want to miss a moment!

Register Here
  • Alumni Tailgate ($) 8:00 a.m. | Tailgate Lot
    Celebrate the Yellow Jackets with pregame tailgating at the corner of Cortland and Garden Streets. The lot opens at 8:00 a.m., but plan ahead! If you’re meeting friends or classmates, please arrive together to be parked side by side.
    Tailgate Pass: $10 per car (proceeds support AIC athletic teams)

  • Additional Parking ($) 8:00 a.m.
    General Parking: $5 per car (Lot A)
    Handicap Parking: $10 per car (Lot S)

  • Homecoming 5K Race ($) 8:30 a.m. shotgun start | Lot S
    Lace up and show your Yellow Jacket pride! Runners and walkers of all levels are welcome. All proceeds benefit the AIC Track & Field, and Cross Country teams.
    $10 per adult
    $5 per child (12 and under)

  • Athletics Tag Sale ($) 11:00 a.m. | Ronald J. Abdow Field
    Browse a selection of vintage Yellow Jackets jerseys, athletic apparel, equipment, and other AIC Athletics memorabilia available for purchase while supplies last.

  • Lunch | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Alumni Zone
    Take a break and enjoy lunch under the white tent in the Alumni Zone, located in the far end zone of the Athletics Complex, while reconnecting with fellow alumni, friends, and members of the AIC community.
    Lunch Pricing:
    AIC Alumni: Complimentary
    Non-Alumni Guests: $10 per person
    AIC Students: $5 per person

  • AIC Football vs Franklin Pierce University ($)
    12:00 P.M. | Ronald J. Abdow Field
    Broadcasted by FLOSPORTS
    Tickets: $10 per person
    AIC students and employees free with ID.
    Join us at halftime as we recognize the AIC Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
    Purchase football game tickets here.

  • AIC Women’s Soccer vs Adelphi University
    4:00 P.M. | Ronald J. Abdow Field | Free Admission
    Free admission

  • AIC Men’s Soccer vs Franklin Pierce University
    7:00 P.M. | Ronald J. Abdow Field | Free Admission

Black Alumni Weekend 2026

Fundraising Event | $150 Registration Fee

Friday, October 2

  • 7 PM: A Meet and Greet at White Lion Brewery, 1500 Main St, Springfield, MA.

Saturday, October 3:

  • 2 PM: A Catered Tailgate Meal by Chef Raiford in Tailgate Field designated for Black Alumni Event 

  • 7 PM: An “Old School Jeans and T-Shirt Party” at the Schwartz Campus Center Auditorium, featuring live music with MALADO and DJ WHYNOT

Registration fee covers all events listed above except the tailgate parking fee. Commemorative T-Shirts available for sale onsite.

Register Here